Armor and Amor

Sondra Sherman, Armor and Amor, 1995, constructed 18k gold, sterling silver, pink cubic zirconia, and chandelier crystals, A (chain and pendant): 25 1434 in. (64.12.0 cm) B (chain and pendant): 24 1212 in. (62.21.3 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Emily Sherby Levenson in memory of Sylvia Waldman Sacks, 2000.32A-D

Artwork Details

Title
Armor and Amor
Date
1995
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
A (chain and pendant): 25 1434 in. (64.12.0 cm) B (chain and pendant): 24 1212 in. (62.21.3 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Emily Sherby Levenson in memory of Sylvia Waldman Sacks
Mediums Description
constructed 18k gold, sterling silver, pink cubic zirconia, and chandelier crystals
Classifications
Object Number
2000.32A-D

Artwork Description

Sondra Sherman balances Mars and Venus, war and love, male and female in Armor and Amor, a matched set of "his-and-hers" necklaces. The female pendant is a curvaceous crystal covered with a lacy network of pink stones. The male counterpart is a phallic stone covered in a silver pinstriped casing, evoking a business suit. Although the feminine pendant appears vulnerable, it is defended by the points that Sherman has emphasized in setting the stone. A jester's collar on the masculine pendant is a humorous jab at male conceit, while the knots in the chain of the necklace signify the confusion we often experience in our relationships.

Works by this artist (70 items)

Bertha E. Jaques, May Cherries, n.d., drypoint, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chicago Society of Etchers, 1935.13.442
May Cherries
Daten.d.
drypoint
Not on view
Bertha E. Jaques, The Temple, ca. 1916, etching, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chicago Society of Etchers, 1935.13.462
The Temple
Dateca. 1916
etching
Not on view
Bertha E. Jaques, Capitol in Winter, n.d., etching, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chicago Society of Etchers, 1935.13.461
Capitol in Winter
Daten.d.
etching
Not on view

More Artworks from the Collection

Edward Sachse, Smithsonian Institute, ca. 1855, hand-colored lithograph, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Al Marzorini in honor of Harry Lowe, 2019.23
Smithsonian Institute
Dateca. 1855
hand-colored lithograph
Not on view
Marching As to War
Daten.d.
color etching
Not on view
Pharoh’s Horses
Artist
Unidentified (British)
Daten.d.
engraving
Not on view
Jakob Steinhardt, Untitled, n.d., etching, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Adelyn D. Breeskin, 1970.61
Untitled
Daten.d.
etching
Not on view